USC annouces Polamalu firing

USC confirmed the firing of Kennedy Polamalu as offensive coordinator and running backs coach in a statement released Sunday.

Coach Lane Kiffin said, ''As we continue to evaluate all facets of our program, including the organization of our staff, we made the decision to go in a different direction at this coaching position. Kennedy Polamalu is a good coach, a good person and a good Trojan. We wish him and his family the best.''

Polamalu, 49, a graduate of Mater Dei High, had recently completed his third season as part of a second stint as a USC assistant coach. While Polamalu held the title of offensive coordinator, he did not call plays.

It remains unknown whether Kiffin will continue to call plays or whether he will hand off those duties. USC now has openings for three assistant coaches, following the firing of Polamalu and secondary coach Marvin Sanders and the departure of linebackers coach Scottie Hazelton, who became defensive coordinator at Nevada.

Polamalu, a USC fullback and linebacker in the mid-80s, was considered an accomplished recruiter and popular coach. Reports of his firing surfaced Friday, only two days after USC's 2013 recruits sent in their signed letters of intent. Several current USC players took to Twitter to express their disappointment and frustration about Polamalu's departure.

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